Children need to be informed how to prepare when the family is faced with an emergency. It is stressful enough for mom and dad to know what to do on the day of the incident without knowing how to keep the kids calm.

Here are some important ways that can help children prepare for these emergencies

Teach them about 911– When they are alone or there is an emergency and they need to take charge, they will need to phone 911. Teach them about the steps which are easy to follow. You can stick these up on the wall. Explain when one needs to call the service and why.

Explain more about evacuation– Children need to know more about what to do when faced with a natural disaster. It can be difficult for them to leave their toys and stuffed animals. Parents need to teach them what happens during this time. They need to tell them about the procedure and why they have to leave the house.

Natural Disaster – families will have their own plans knowing what to do when they are hit by a natural disaster, such as an earthquake. Children will be frightened at these times. Parents need to tell them more about what happens and what to do. Sometimes they will be separated from their mom and dad, and they need to tell them to be prepared for this.

When this is really an emergency– Parents also have to be careful about how they talk to their kids. They may think that everything is seen as an emergency. However, a slight bang which they hear, in their eyes could be an earthquake, when in fact it is just a door slamming. They need to know when it is time to phone 911. Sometimes it is a minor problem, so this is very important.

Role play– You have to treat children like kids. They may not understand when you explain this to them simply by talking to them. Children enjoy drama and creative exercises. Role play can be a good way of teaching children of how to act in these types of situations.

Encouragement – When you are communicating with your child and they understand what you are saying, make sure that you encourage them. These kinds of rewards stick with them. This shouldn’t be a once off, you need to reinforce this type of communication.

Comfort – Remember that they are just children. Although they know what to do, they are still going to panic when they hear huge winds, thunder and earthquakes. Keep on encouraging them. Give them comfort.

Watch how you behave – a child will always pick up on the way you react and behave. If you are anxious, they will also become stressed. Make sure that you are calm when you talk to them. Make sure that when you talk to them, you act as if it is not something to be fearful of.

Attend to their needs – Young children will need your love and support. They rely more on their parents, and their needs are great. Assure them that they will be there for the child. Teenagers are different and they will tell you about rumors that they have heard. This is something that you need to talk about.